In the Beginning... Was the Command Line

"In the Beginning... Was the Command Line" is a well-known essay written by Neal Stephenson, published in 1999. The piece explores the evolution of computer interfaces, particularly contrasting command-line interfaces (CLI) with graphical user interfaces (GUI). Stephenson discusses the fundamental differences between these two types of interfaces, emphasizing the power and flexibility that command-line environments offer to users who are willing to learn and adapt.